Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Thursday praised the strong ties between India and Bangladesh, highlighting cooperation on various fronts.
He commended India's decision to fence its border with Myanmar to curb insurgency, and sought assistance for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
Mahmud emphasised Bangladesh's "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorism and discussed key issues including defence cooperation and the Teesta river water dispute during his visit to India.
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister hailed the relationship between India and Bangladesh as a "golden chapter" and sought assistance from India on various fronts, including the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
Speaking at an interactive session at a think-tank, Mahmud lauded India's decision to fence its border with Myanmar, describing it as a positive step to address insurgency flowing from the troubled country.
He emphasised the importance of curbing the flow of Rohingya refugees, describing the 1.2 million displaced individuals as a burden on Bangladesh. Mahmud sought India's assistance in repatriating the refugees to Myanmar, citing environmental and security concerns.
Regarding the fairness of Bangladesh's recent parliamentary elections, Mahmud defended the polls as the most vibrant and participatory in the country's history. He expressed gratitude for India's support during the elections, noting New Delhi's historic role in Bangladesh's liberation in 1972.
Mahmud's visit to India marks his first bilateral foreign trip since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's reelection for a fifth term. He described the current state of relations between India and Bangladesh as a "golden chapter," emphasising mutual trust, connectivity, and economic cooperation.
On the Rohingya crisis, Mahmud stated that Bangladesh has filed a case at the International Court of Justice and is in discussions with Myanmar for the refugees' repatriation. He expressed hope for assistance and cooperation from India in resolving the crisis.
Discussing his talks with Indian officials, Mahmud highlighted defence and security cooperation between the two countries. He confirmed Bangladesh's intention to procure military hardware from India, indicating potential purchases of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Dhruv helicopters.
Mahmud reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to a "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorism, emphasising Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's declaration to prevent terrorist activities on Bangladeshi soil. He underscored the importance of regional stability and cooperation in combating terrorism.
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